Devon cohabiting couples can help experts uncover the secret of finding life-long love by taking part in a University of Exeter research project.

Academics hope their work will help prevent relationship breakdown, and the tragic consequences which go with it. The work is funded by prominent divorce lawyer Baroness Shackleton.

The researchers, from the University of Exeter Law School and Medical School are looking for Devon-based couples who have lived together for 15 years or more to share their relationship experience. As a number of couples who are married or have a civil partnership have already taken part in the study, the researchers are specifically looking to hear the experiences of cohabiting couples who are not married and haven’t been married previously, or couples who have had an arranged marriage. They would be interviewed about their experiences to discover what makes relationships last. Each couple who take part receive £20 - one £10 Amazon voucher each - as a thank you for their time.

The overall research findings will inform the development of resources for young people to help build relationship skills and avoid bad relationship choices now and in the future. More information about the project can be found on the University website.

Sharon Blake, an associate research fellow, from the University of Exeter Medical School, who will carry out the interviews, said: “Every couple is unique but we think there are common reasons why relationships last. We would be very grateful if couples were able to share their experiences with us confidentially.”